SPHERE’s What’s On in January

At this time of year, it’s hard to think that anything exists post-Christmas. Well, perhaps we could stretch to New Year’s Eve, but beyond that, nothing. January? Don’t know her. So, to make sure your social plans don’t fall off a cliff and ensure you have some nice things in the calendar to beat the dreaded January blues, these are the best events, restaurants and happenings in London.

Where to Dine Out for Veganuary

Veganism has taken a real beating in the past few years. Once the latest wellness food movement, it has since been replaced by our collective obsession with protein and chowing down 30 different plants a week. Regardless of your stance, study after study has shown that everyone should be consuming less meat. So, if you’re taking part in Veganuary or just trying to reduce your meat intake, you don’t need to compromise on taste or quality. Winter Garden at The Landmark London is launching a plant-led fine dining menu. You’ll start with delicate plates of salt-baked celeriac croquettes; and Heritage beetroot, before moving onto winter warmers like Jerusalem artichoke risotto; pan-fried herb gnocchi; or potato terrine with burnt leek aioli, finishing on a tropical high with grilled caramelised pineapple; or coconut mousse.

Dinner available daily, lunch available Mon-Fr at landmarklondon.co.uk

Bocca di Lupo’s Ancient Roman Feast

They say men think about the Roman Empire on a weekly, nay, daily basis. For those obsessed with this era of history, Bocca di Lupo is putting on the perfect spread. From 7th January, the Soho trattoria will be serving dishes that would have been at the centre of any decadent Roman feast, in collaboration with food writer Rachel Roddy. Revived for modern times and made with British and Italian seasonal ingredients, the menu will feature starters such as orzata barica, a hearty winter soup of grains and greens, and plump oysters paired with a cumin and white balsamic sauce. You can expect mains like juicy wild duck cooked with bay and prunes, with sides like mushrooms drizzled with a cumin-spiked honey. There’s also going to be a baked cheesecake inspired by a recipe from the 2nd century BC, topped with honey and poppy seeds, and nivatae potiones: shaved ice layered with honeyed dates, apricots, tamarind, pomegranate seeds and pistachios. Proving that even in Ancient times, Italians ate better than us.

Bocca di Lupo’s ancient Roman menu will be available from 7th January and will run in the restaurant and for private dining throughout the month. Book through boccadilupo.com

Dine Like its 2001

To celebrate 25 years of modern Indian fine dining, Chef Vivek Singh’s iconic Cinnamon Club is returning to its roots. From 12th- 24th January, a one-off Retro Menu showcases some of the memorable dishes that put the restaurant on the map, with prices rolled back to 2001. A culinary time capsule, the ‘Retro Menu’ includes classics such as the sweet potato cake with crisp okra and spiced yoghurt, pan-seared breast of Gressingham duck with sesame tamarind sauce, baby aubergines in pickling spices with curry leaf semolina, and more.

Reserve your table to enjoy the rollback menu via cinnamonclub.com

Canal x Bauhaus Bouillbaisse & Low Martini Evening

Our favourite canal-side spot in Notting Hill, aptly named Canal, is partnering with Bauhaus, the team behind A Bar with Shapes for a Name, for a one-off evening inspired by the flavours of Marseille. On 15th January, there will be a special menu paired with a low-alcohol Marseille Martini from Bauhaus - a lighter serve designed to ease into the new year. Starting with anchovy toast with confit garlic and chives; fried olives with mayonnaise before serving a generous, traditional bouillabaisse served with rouille and sourdough croutons, featuring Monkfish, John Dory, mussels and crab. The evening will be rounded off with a chocolate cremeux with olive oil, the perfect way to satiate any post-dinner sweet cravings. 

Book a table at Canal through canalrestaurant.com

Where to Celebrate Burns Night

Gie her a Haggis! Come 25th January, Burns Night celebrations will be taking place up and down the country. In honour of Scotland’s 18th century national poet, different venues throughout London will be putting on a show. The White Hart, an incredibly quaint riverside pub in Barnes, in particular has a full Burns weekend itinerary. From whiskey cocktails on Friday, to the big Saturday night complete with traditional four-course supper, including haggis and deep-fried mars bars, and a live bagpiper, it’s a full on weekend. Come Sunday, it is time to roast with a choice of haggis and venison to round off the festivities in true Scottish spirit.

Book your Burns Night celebration at whitehartbarnes.co.uk